Sometimes the best sights are down the road less travelled. Treasures like these might be more difficult to reach but the adventure makes the destination that much more special. Mystic Beach on Vancouver Island is one of those treasures!
Located within driving distance of Victoria, Mystic Beach is one of the must-see places on Vancouver Island. However, it is not very easy to find. Keep reading for our Mystic Beach guide to help plan your visit.
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How to Get to Mystic Beach
Mystic Beach on Vancouver Island is about 1.5 hours from Victoria by car. It’s a pretty simple drive with forests and coastal views along the way. There are many gas stations, restaurants, and rest stops along the way so you won’t have to worry.
Mystic Beach Parking
Use this pin as your waypoint for the best parking lot. It’s a little hidden because the sign is for China Beach and Juan De Fuca Provincial Park. Mystic Beach is a part of these parks so you’re in the right place. Once you’ve turned into the entrance, turn into the first parking lot on your right to be close to the trailhead.
Hiking to Mystic Beach
Mystic Beach might be easy to find on a map but actually getting to it is a different story. It isn’t like some beaches where you can just pull into a parking lot along the coast. Instead, this spot makes you work for it.
Once you’ve parked you have one last chance to use the bathroom before hitting the trail. From there, you’re embarking on a 2km hike (each way) through the forest. It’s not a particularly difficult hike but it’s no picnic either. There are roots, narrow walkways, and a suspension bridge along the route.
Don’t worry about it too much though – each way should only take about an hour. Make sure to bring some water and snacks to keep fuelled for the hike.
What to Wear
You might think this is a silly question. I mean, it’s the beach so wear beach clothes, right? Well it’s not really that simple.
You need to consider the journey as well as the destination. There is a 2km trail between you and the beach so plan accordingly. Wear some comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for hiking. You can pack a bag with swimsuits if you’re thinking of taking a dip.
What to See at Mystic Beach
Yes, it is a beach but Mystic Beach has a few unique features. It is different from other beaches because it has a rocky side and a sandy side. No matter your beach preference, this place has you covered!
Mystic Beach Waterfall
Most people come here to see the Mystic Beach Waterfall. This 10 meter tall sight is located on the sandy side of the beach (turn left once you arrive). The water cascades down the cliff creating a perfect photo op.
Get there early if you want to see the waterfall without crowds. We arrived around 10am and it was still fairly quiet. Many people were headed towards the beach by the time we walked back just after 12pm.
Camping on The Beach
The beach is part of a Provincial Park which means it’s open for camping. These campsites are officially part of the Juan de Fuca Trail but you need a reservation before staying the night. You can reserve your Mystic Beach camping experience here.
Is Mystic Beach Worth Visiting?
In our opinion – YES! The scenery at the beach, and along the trail, is absolutely stunning. You can also bring a light picnic to enjoy on the beach while you refuel for the hike back.
The hike to Mystic Beach is really not that bad. There is more uphill walking on the way back but the walk itself is pretty easy. The trail is well marked with orange flags so there’s little chance of getting lost.
You should definitely put this stop on your Vancouver Island itinerary. It’s an easy drive from Victoria and usually has fewer crowds than the Sooke Potholes. You won’t regret your visit to Mystic Beach!
Have you been to Mystic Beach? Let us know all about it in the comments below. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our monthly newsletter to be the first to know about hidden gems we find in Canada and around the world!
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